Maths
Maths is a core subject and provides a way of making sense of the world. We need it to analyse, organise, communicate and manipulate information and ideas. It demands a specific vocabulary and as well providing an understanding of number, also develops concepts associated with pattern, shape and problem solving and reasoning. We place a strong emphasis on developing positive attitudes around the subject right from Early Years, promoting strong characteristics of effective learning such as perseverance and resilience.
The National Curriculum has three core aims as children progress through key stages 1 and 2.
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
- solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication by following a line of enquiry, including breaking down problems into simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
At Newbrough, children are taught a mastery curriculum in mixed age classes. Teachers reinforce an expectation that all pupils can achieve in maths and the majority will progress through the curriculum at the same pace.
- We put a strong emphasis on developing solid foundations in number sense and follow ‘Mastering Early Number’ (NCETM) in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. This is taught as a separate session to the Maths lesson.
- We use White Rose Maths as a scheme of learning and adapt it where necessary to our cohorts of children. Lessons are planned so that children learn using concrete apparatus and pictorial representations before moving to an abstract approach to ensure they develop conceptual understanding.
- Lessons have reasoning and problem solving woven throughout and teachers place a priority on questioning that encourages children to justify and explain their thinking. There is a strong emphasis on developing and using the correct language to reason and explain.
- Fluency is taught alongside conceptual understanding. Number facts and multiplication tables are taught explicitly and opportunities to practice and apply this knowledge are woven into lessons. Children are expected to practise their recall of facts and tables at home. We use Times Table Rockstars to support this.
